I think he is being exploited at work...

[BellaBoo0512]

My 23 year old brother started a plumbing apprentice in October. He starts work at 7am and doesn't get home till gone 8pm most nights. Yesterday he only finished work just after midnight so he had worked 17 hours and then had to be back in work at 7am this morning.

He is absolutely shattered but they won't let him have the morning off. This has happened before where he has worked 15 hours but he has never worked 17 hours.

I've been doing a bit of research online and it says that employers must give you an 11 hour rest in between shifts.

What can my brother do regarding this? He is too scared to say anything to his employers incase they fire him. Because of the current job market my brother struggled with employment, he only managed to get agency work in the past and they only offer temporary contracts so he has been in and out of work the last few years and he really doesn't want to be out of work again.

I just don't think employers should be allowed to exploit people like this.

 

[BellaBoo0512]

Anyone? x

 

[Rags]

Hi, I didn't want to read and run but I'm not sure if I've anything particularly useful to say. I know that in my industry (entertainment) an 11 hour overnight break is required and if it is missed double time is paid for the hours incurred. I'm guessing that attending out of hours call outs is part of his training? Have you been able to take a look at his contract? Also, does his apprenticeship include college time - if so he should be able to get advice from his tutors. Do you know anyone else who works for the same company, it would be interesting to knoe if this is normal pratice.
If you look up the European working time directive it should give you pointers on acceptable practice. It isn't particularly difficult for employers to get around parts of it as a lot is based on average hours over a period of time so all they need to do is slot in a holiday during the calculation period and it balances things out - but it may give you some idea.
Good for you for looking out for your brother, I hope it all works out well.

 

[kanga]

Unfortunately working for small companies, this is what often happens. Des he have an employment contract? If not, he should request one so that his employer is forced to address these issues.

 

[BellaBoo0512]

Thank you both for your replies! I've spoken to my brother about it and he's decided he's just going to 'grin and bear it' and get his first year over with and then look for somewhere else to do his level 2 and above. He hasn't even started college yet.

apparently a few lads have been fired off for not showing willing and my brother doesn't want to be next.

It's so unfair that companies can get away with treating people like this!

 

[Abz1982]

I bellieve apprentces get more protection - not sure if still valid though:

https://www.pureemploymentlaw.co.uk...ve-greater-protection-than-employees-for-now/

https://www.clearskybusiness.co.uk/apprenticeship-schemes-saying-youre-fired-legally/

 

[Rags]

It's good that you are looking out for him. I hope he's getting a break over Christmas. Take care.